Why did some countries become democratic, while others went the route of theocracy or dictatorship? asks Daniel Philpott, who teaches political science and peace studies at the University of Notre Dame. For [Woodberry] to show through devastatingly thorough analysis that conversionary Protestants are crucial to what makes the country democratic today [is] remarkable in many ways. Not only is it another factor—it turns out to be the most important factor. It cant be anything but startling for scholars of democracy. I think its the best work out there on religion and economic development, says Robin Grier, professor of economics and international and area studies at the University of Oklahoma. Its incredibly sophisticated and well grounded. I havent seen anything quite like it. ... Im not religious, says Grier. I never felt really comfortable with the idea of [mission work]; it seemed cringe-worthy. Then I read Bobs work. I thought, Wow, thats amazing. They left a long legacy. It changed my views and caused me to rethink.
Posted on: Thu, 23 Jan 2014 20:21:10 +0000
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